Jack Miller has admitted his phone has never rung and he is running out of options to extend his MotoGP stay next year. A regular in the premier class paddock since 2015, the Australian is looking for a ride after losing his KTM ride to rookie sensation Pedro Acosta.
However, with grid spots for next year increasingly limited and a decline in form with the RC16, the Australian is finding it increasingly difficult to secure a 2025 ride. Motorsport.com/Autosport reported this week that the KTM rider has been approached by two manufacturers, including Ducati, about a move to World Superbike.
As MotoGP returns from the summer break at Silverstone, the 29-year-old said he currently has no offers to race in either MotoGP or SBK: “It’s all rumours because frankly at the moment I have nothing. Not even a contract.”
Miller’s innate knowledge of motorcycle development, particularly at Ducati and KTM, could be an asset to Japanese manufacturers Honda and Yamaha, who are struggling to catch up with their European rivals despite the advantages offered to them by MotoGP’s new concession system.
Miller said he was excited to take on such a role in MotoGP, but reiterated that he had no concrete offers at the moment, before stressing that his personality was a potential obstacle to any career.
“I’m definitely interested in all of this. That’s why I said that until there are signatures, seals and deliveries I will not give up on this project. I can honestly say that my phone is not ringing. I’m trying to push from every angle possible. But sometimes you say things to piss people off, to do whatever. It is what it is. It’s why I’ve lived my life this way, my whole career. I am the character that I am. This is what it is. I’m trying to do what I can do on the track because at the end of the day that’s what speaks the most.”
Jack Miller, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
It is increasingly common for riders to switch to Superbike after their MotoGP careers have ended, as the production-based category offers a competitive environment in which to test their skills.
Miller has said he is open to a move to production-based racing, where he could potentially replace two-time champion Alvaro Bautista at Ducati, but he doesn’t want to give up MotoGP before the door is closed for good. Asked if he would be interested in racing in SBK, he said: “Sure, the level there is fantastic. I think the championship is fantastic. At the end of the day, I like racing and three races in a weekend is awesome. Never say never.”
“I definitely feel like I have more to give here in MotoGP, but we’ll wait and see. I still have hope until all the doors close, but honestly it doesn’t look good. So we’ll try our best to do something in the second half of the season,” explained the Australian.
“It’s been a good summer break, but it’s also been tough. There’s a lot to take into account. Obviously all good things come to an end, but when things end when they’re not on your terms – and they rarely are in a racing situation – but especially with what I’ve given to the sport and what I feel I have to give to the sport, it’s tough. But like I said, it’s never over until it’s over. All we can do is try to get some decent results in the bag and hope my phone calls sooner or later,” concluded the KTM rider.
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